Mercy College’s top four players in Cowboys Challenge grand final

Mercy reached the top of the schoolboys football world after defeating St Brendan’s in the Cowboys Challenge grand final. Here are the top four players in Mercy College’s premiership win.

Mercy College has reached the pinnacle of schoolboys football, winning the Cowboys Challenge in a nail-biting finish in Mackay.

The Mackay-based side had improved throughout its season, culminating in the premiership victory over St Brendan’s.

Several key players and moments defined the game on Wednesday, with Mercy managing to hold on in a close 22-20 finish.

Jaxon Purdue

The silky five-eighth was deemed best afield by referees, and it was easy to see why.

Purdue had his fingerprints all over the game, scoring the first try, setting up the second and involved in many other attacking sets.

John Manning (left) gives Jaxon Purdue his premiership medal after the Mercy College v St Brendan's Cowboys Challenge grand final in Mackay, September 1, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

He was quick on his feet, dodging would-be tacklers and gaining valuable metres in the contest.

The five-eighth also laid the match’s final tackle, stopping St Brendan’s advances metres from the try zone.

Jaxon Purdue in the Mercy College v St Brendan's Cowboys Challenge grand final in Mackay, September 1, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Purdue was given best-on-ground honours after his efforts, etching his name in the record books.

Will Shears

The Mercy captain has been among the best for his side almost every week, and the grand final was no different.

Will Shears in the Mercy College v St Brendan's Cowboys Challenge grand final in Mackay, September 1, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Shears was strong on his feet, pushed through tackles for extra metres and providing St Brendan’s with headaches with his bruising strength.

He was confident under sky balls, directed the defence well and ensured there were no gaps in his side’s structure.

Will Shears holds the shield after Mercy College v St Brendan's Cowboys Challenge grand final in Mackay, September 1, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

The fullback was arguably Mercy’s best player throughout the season.

Xavier Kerrisk

Mercy’s hooker saved one of his best games for the season’s climax, dominating in the grand final’s opening half.

While his try came in the second half, it was reward for his efforts in the first 25 minutes.

Xavier Kerrisk in the Mercy College v St Brendan's Cowboys Challenge grand final in Mackay, September 1, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Kerrisk slowed down and sped up the play depending on the situation, with his try typical to his game style.

At the play the ball, Kerrisk fooled defenders with a fake pass, before darting back inside and battling through tackles to the line.

Tyler Shandiman

The second rower was a force throughout the match, using his physical attributes to his full advantage.

Shandiman bustled through contests, making light work of St Brendan’s tacklers.

Tyler Shandiman in the Mercy College v St Brendan's Cowboys Challenge grand final in Mackay, September 1, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

Despite being a bigger body, Shandiman was still light on his feet, able to dodge defensive efforts for the full 50 minutes.

Along with Darcy Clark, Shandiman was a presence for Mercy, and provided the backs with much needed space to work in.

Aaron Payne Cup results

It was agony for Kirwan and ecstasy for St Brendan’s after a hard-fought battle in the Aaron Payne Cup grand final.

The top two sides were hard to seperate throughout the contest, with the score tied 12-12 at half time.

St Brendan’s struck first after the break, before Kirwan squared it up again with five minutes to go.

A field kick from St Brendan’s captain Owen Pattie put the side ahead as time expired, living out every sportsperson’s childhood dream.

Originally published as Mercy College’s top four players in Cowboys Challenge grand final